A road trip through America’s national parks is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty. From towering mountains to sprawling deserts, each park offers stunning landscapes and scenic drives perfect for adventurers. Here are two of the best national parks for road trippers.
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) – The Ultimate Scenic Drive
As the first national park in the U.S., Yellowstone is a must-visit for any road tripper. Spanning three states, it offers over 300 miles of scenic roads winding through geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife-filled valleys.
- Best Drive: The Grand Loop Road (142 miles) takes you past iconic sites like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, especially in Lamar Valley during sunrise or sunset.
- Camping & Lodging: Several campgrounds and lodges are available, but reservations fill up fast—plan ahead!
For road trippers, Yellowstone is the perfect mix of natural wonders, breathtaking drives, and adventure opportunities that make it a bucket-list stop.
2. Arches National Park (Utah) – A Red Rock Wonderland
For a completely different but equally stunning experience, Arches National Park in Utah offers a dramatic landscape of over 2,000 natural rock arches, towering cliffs, and winding desert roads.
- Best Drive: The Arches Scenic Drive (19 miles) takes you through the park’s highlights, including Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, and the Windows Section.
- Best Stops: Hike to Delicate Arch for an unforgettable sunset view, or explore the Devil’s Garden Trail for a longer adventure.
- Camping & Lodging: The Devil’s Garden Campground offers incredible views, but spots are limited—book early!
With its easy-to-navigate roads, incredible rock formations, and epic hiking opportunities, Arches is a must-see destination for any road trip through the Southwest.